What style of brickwork points to the most effective choice for both historical and modern edifices?
In the world of masonry, the art of repointing historic properties requires a delicate balance between preserving heritage and ensuring structural integrity. Two popular pointing styles, weathered and weather struck, are generally favoured for their ability to replicate traditional finishes and provide excellent moisture resistance.
Weathered Pointing
This classic, straightforward style angles the mortar joint forward, creating a slope that effectively sheds rainwater. Suitable for many historic bricks, weathered pointing offers a good heritage look with a touch of simplicity. While easier than weather struck, it still requires expert application to maintain the wall's ability to shed water and prevent deterioration.
Weather Struck Pointing
More elaborate and widely used in Victorian buildings, weather struck pointing stands out for its recessed top edge and angled mortar slope designed to encourage water runoff. This style enhances moisture resistance and preserves the wall’s heritage appearance. However, it is more time-consuming and requires expert skill, as well as the use of specialized tools such as a Frenchman knife.
Both styles are crucial in maintaining the historic character and durability of older masonry.
| Pointing Style | Description | Benefits | Considerations | |------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Weathered | Mortar joint angled forward to slope rainwater off | Good heritage look, simple | Easier than weather struck | | Weather Struck | Mortar slopes recessed at top, angled for runoff | Very moisture-resistant, elegant | Difficult, time-consuming, needs expert mason |
Other less common styles like concave (half-round) may also be used, but weathered and weather struck remain the top recommendations for historic repointing due to their close resemblance to traditional craftsmanship and functional needs.
A prime example of V-joint pointing, also known as 'double struck' or 'bird's beak', can be found at Hampton Court Palace. This traditional style, with its v-shaped profile, comes to its highest point along the centre of the joint.
Tuck pointing, involving the application of two different colours of mortar to create a trompe-l'œil effect, is less common in historic repointing but is still occasionally used for aesthetic purposes.
Marcus Clark, a third-generation bricklayer and the director of Heritage Brickwork Restoration, emphasizes the importance of using these traditional styles with appropriate historic mortar mixes and skilled workmanship to ensure the best outcome for repointing historic properties. Weather struck pointing, in particular, remains prized for its elegant finish and protectiveness against severe weather, as seen in many Victorian structures.
[1] Heritage Brickwork Restoration. (n.d.). Pointing Styles. Retrieved from https://www.heritagebrickwork.co.uk/pointing-styles [2] Historic England. (2019). Repointing Historic Buildings. Retrieved from https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/repair/repointing-historic-buildings/ [3] English Heritage. (2015). Repointing Brickwork. Retrieved from https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/content/dam/downloads/advice-and-guidance/repair/repair-and-maintenance-of-buildings/repair-and-maintenance-of-buildings-brickwork/repair-and-maintenance-of-buildings-brickwork.pdf
- In the realm of masonry, the art of repointing not only concerns structural integrity but also the preservation of a property's heritage.
- When considering the costs of a home renovation project, the choice of a pointing style could significantly impact both the home's lifestyle and its value in the real estate market.
- For those who appreciate the traditional aesthetic, both weathered and weather struck pointing styles can provide a fashion-and-beauty touch to a home, replicating the look of classic bricks.
- During a trip, exploring exotic locations often involves learning about local foods-and-drink, and in some cases, even observing the unique techniques used in home-and-garden projects like repointing.
- Relationships with skilled masons, carpenters, and artisans can be highly valuable when undertaking a historic repointing project, as they possess the tools and expertise to achieve the desired results.
- Pets, especially outdoor ones, may encounter beams and slopes created by repointing efforts, requiring careful consideration during the planning stage to ensure their safety.
- The weather can have a significant influence on the selection of pointing styles as weather resistant options, such as weather struck pointing, are better suited for regions with extreme weather conditions.
- Travelling to notable historical sites like Hampton Court Palace offers not only an educational experience but also the opportunity to observe various pointing styles like V-joint pointing, showcasing the rich history of masonry and traditional craftsmanship.
